Plans for distribution centre at Hatfield Business Park to go on display
12 December 2025
Proposals for a new Arla Foods distribution centre at Hatfield Business Park that could create more than 500 jobs, and provide a major boost to the local economy, will go on display at a public exhibition on December 12th 2011.
Arla Foods is the global dairy cooperative which produces well-known brands including, Anchor, Lurpak and Cravendale Milk. Arla, in partnership with PCL Transport, is proposing a major investment to deliver a regional cold store distribution centre at Hatfield to support its ambitious UK growth strategy and serve its growing customer base in the South East of England. The new distribution centre is an integral part of Arla’s new strategy for the UK.
If the proposals go ahead circa 500 new jobs could be created, adding to the mix of jobs already based at Hatfield Business Park, and more importantly provide jobs for local people.
The distribution centre would be managed by Hoddesdon based PCL Transport, one of the fastest growing and successful chilled food distribution specialists in the UK. This facility would be in addition to PCL’s existing operations at Hoddesdon and will provide job roles including managerial staff, drivers, mechanics, and warehouse operatives.
The distribution centre would be located on existing development land with outline planning permission for employment development at Hatfield Business Park, which is owned, developed and managed by integrated property group Goodman. Constructed to a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method “Very Good” standard, the proposed development would include sustainable technologies such as solar hot water heating and rain water harvesting.
A number of meetings have already taken place with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council representatives to get their initial views on the proposals and the next stage is to meet with members of the local community.
The exhibition will be open for public inspection at Hatfield Business Park’s Park Management Office, located at Mosquito Way, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9TA from Monday 12th December until Friday 23rd December from 9am to 5.30pm. Representatives from Goodman will be on hand to discuss the application with members of the local community on Wednesday 14th December from 9am to 7pm, If the proposals go ahead and are approved by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Arla Foods hope the facility will be operational by the second quarter of 2013.
James Raven, Development Director for Goodman, said: “Goodman’s regeneration of Hatfield Business Park (in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council) has directly generated more than 10,000 jobs. These latest proposals will further enhance the Park’s thriving mixed-use community and perpetuate the quality of development and environment with which Hatfield Business Park has become synonymous. We would welcome people to come along to see exactly what Arla and Goodman are proposing. The whole purpose of the exhibition is to understand the views of the local community and how we can best integrate the proposal within the vibrant mix of businesses already located here. There will be representatives from Goodman, available to answer any questions.”
Hatfield Business Park is situated just off the A1(M) and boasts excellent road, rail and air links with its proximity to the A1(M), M25, M1, M11, M40 and central London. This has also helped to integrate the park with Hatfield, creating a vibrant extension to the town.